Alabama notes: No Crimson collapse after 24-0 this time around

TUSCALOOSA -- An ominous lead flashed on the Bryant-Denny scoreboard late in the second quarter Saturday.

Things didn't turn out well for the Crimson Tide last time it held a 24-0 advantage on its home field. But facing an obviously out-manned Kent State offense, there was no shot at an Iron Bowl-style collapse this time around.

The only touchdown surrendered in the 48-7 beating of Kent State came after an interception left the Tide with just three yards to defend. Besides that, unit was as good as it's been under head coach Nick Saban.

The 90 total yards allowed was the second fewest in the past five seasons. Only Chattanooga gained fewer (84) in 2009.

Most of Kent State's offensive production came after the Alabama starters were pulled in the second half. The visitors needed seven possessions before it gained a single first down and it took just 28 total yards into halftime.

The run defense, aided by four quarterback sacks, limited Kent State to negative-9 rushing yards total.

"The defense, they were ball-hawking all day," Kent State running back Jacquise Terry said. "We gained momentum each time they made a turnover. But we (the offense) just couldn't execute the way we wanted to."

With Alabama playing five defensive backs nearly all game, he completed 20 of 47 passes for 99 yards and was intercepted in the final possession by Alabama's Phelon Jones.

Six different Tide defenders got a share of the four sacks, with linebacker C.J. Mosley and defensive end Quinton Dial each collecting solos. Linebacker Dont'a Hightower went without a sack last year, but he earned a piece of one in the first half after blowing through a blocker to reach Keith.

"I feel like everyone knows when I'm standing up to be alert," said Hightower, who had seven total tackles and one quarterback hurry. "Fortunately, we were able to get in there and cause a big play on third down."

Tide safety Mark Barron, owner of two tackles and a pass break-up, was feeling good about much more than the big plays.

"As far as mental errors, we probably had one of the best games," he said.

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Danger ahead: Saban's message about the defense had a lot to do with the challenge it faces next week at Penn State.

"It was really hot when we played here last year. We went 'no huddle' last year and they got tired," Saban said. "I played them for years at Michigan State, they always played better at Penn State than they did at Michigan State. So they are going to be a better team this year, and they are going to play better at their place, and we are going to have a huge challenge."

"I'll tell you next week how good we are on defense."

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DePriest paces freshmen: On a day when seven true freshmen saw the field, one linebacker stole the show.

Alabama's Trey DePriest led the defense with 10 total tackles, including one behind the line of scrimmage. Half of his stops came on special teams, including the tackle on the opening kickoff.

Saban said he had a hard time following each of the newcomers on the field when he's concentrating on the bigger picture.

"I'm watching those guys on film," Saban said. "I'm watching to make sure we've got them all covered. Did we play the right coverage? That's my game. I'm kinda like the point guard in basketball."

Defensive back Vinnie Sunseri also made several big special teams tackles among his six stops.

Defensive end Jeoffery Pagan had two tackles, while Christion Jones and Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix each had one. The speedy Jones also returned a punt for 18 yards.

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Kouandjio's debut: The marquee freshman participant on offense was former top-recruit and left tackle Cyrus Kouandjio. He entered in the second quarter when starter Barrett Jones moved to left guard.

Having the 6-6, 322-pounder on his hip helped on that first drive, Jones said.

"When I was in there at guard, I was able to help him," Jones said. "I was able to ease him in and make sure he knew every play. It's totally different when you go from a practice setting and all of a sudden, you're thrown into the game with 100,000 people around you and everything is moving so fast."

Saban said he didn't spend much time assessing Kouandjio during the game, but didn't notice any glaring mistakes.

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Jones' busy day: The shift from left tackle to guard was one of two positional changes Saturday for Jones.

Once the starting right guard, the junior also played backup center briefly in the second half.

"It was something I was prepared for," he said. "I've been working on it all week in practice, so I wasn't really surprised by it. Early in the season, we want to try a lot of different combinations and get some guys a lot of reps at different spots."

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Slow day for Richardson: It was the first chance for Trent Richardson to start as the No. 1 running back at Alabama, but it wasn't one of his more memorable afternoons.

Though he scored three touchdowns, the junior ran for just 37 yards on 13 carries. The 2.8-yard average was well off the 6.2 he averaged a year ago.

Still, Saban wasn't exactly worried afterward.

"I think Trent played OK today," Saban said. "I don't think he played as well as he can play. He's going to play better and better."

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"Circle Button": Sophomore running back Eddie Lacy lived up to his reputation in one big first-half play.

Taking a screen pass from AJ McCarron, Lacy ran 48 yards for a big first down. He got there with two big spin moves that only adds to his legacy.

His nickname among teammates is "Circle Button" since that triggers a spin move on popular football video games.

"I think I did a real good job today," he said. "I played real close attention to my ball security."

Lacy, who ran for 62 yards on eight carries to go with 76 receiving yards, didn't make it out of the game unscathed.

He had stitches over his left eye afterward. The cut opened after being tackled from behind and his helmet dug until his forehead.

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No boo-birds: The Alabama student section customarily boos the oppositions when it enters or leaves the playing field.

Not so Saturday.

A concerted effort was made online this week to curb the tradition in light of the volunteer hours Kent State players logged with tornado recovery efforts in Tuscaloosa over the summer.

Students cheered the Kent State players as they exited following pregame warm-ups.

"We noticed it when we ran out while warming up," Keith said. "Like coach said, it was real classy."

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Honored guests: Two ceremonies preceded kickoff in Bryant-Denny Stadium that paid tribute to several lives lost in the offseason.

Gov. Robert Bentley greeted first responders who served the immediate aftermath of the April 27 tornadoes following a brief video and before a moment of silence for the hundreds killed that day.

Then, the family of Aaron Douglas was honored a few minutes later. The Alabama offensive lineman died suddenly of an accidental drug overdose in Florida on May 12. His mother and father, Karla and David Douglas, were greeted by an ovation from the 101,000-plus in attendance.